Apparatus and method for electrophoresis

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for conducting electrophoresis therein includes a chamber with a gel matrix. The chamber has a first sealed region and a second sealed region, and an anode within the first sealed region of the chamber and in contact with the gel matrix, and a cathode within the second sealed region and in contact with the gel matrix. At least one of the electrodes also provides ions for driving the electrophoresis. The apparatus further includes a matrix with at least one sparingly water-soluble salt.

CROSS REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims the right of priorityunder 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. application Ser. No. 10/056,050 filed Jan.28, 2002, which is a continuation in part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/734,929filed Oct. 22, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,379,519, which is acontinuation in part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/639,869 filed Apr. 26, 1996,now U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,974, which is a continuation in part of U.S.Ser. No. 08/427,917 filed Apr. 26, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,702,the entire disclosures of which are commonly owned with the presentapplication and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entiretyas though fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of electrophoresis and moreparticularly to apparatus for conducting electrophoresis tests therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A great deal of diagnostic procedures and laboratory research arecarried out wherein DNA, RNA or proteins are mobilized and/or separatedaccording to their physical and chemical properties via electrophoresis.This process is widely used and has may applications. For example, it isused to analyze DNA molecules according to their resultant size afterbeing digested by restriction enzymes. It is also used to analyze theproducts of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Typically, electrophoresis separation is carried out in a separationmatrix, such as a gel of agarose or acrylamide or a combination of thetwo. Usually, agarose gels are cast in open trays and form a slabwhereas acrylamide gels are cast between two glass plates.

In order to effect the electrophoretic process, two opposite ends of thegels are exposed to a buffer solution, which is connected by electrodes,typically platinum, to an electrical power source. Once the electricalpower source is switched on, the electric field forces negativelycharged molecules to move towards the anode and positively chargedmolecules to move towards the cathode. The electrodes that are commonlyused for electrophoresis are generally made of inert metals that inducewater electrolysis in aqueous solutions, which produces hydroxyl ions atthe cathode side and protons at the anode side. Therefore, large volumesof buffer are used in order to maintain the pH. In addition, due to theuse of buffers of low salt concentration, large volumes of buffer arerequired to maintain the electric field.

DNA is negatively charged and therefore, in the agarose or acrylamidegels which provide sieving action, DNA molecules move towards the anodeat a rate which depends on their size, wherein the smaller the moleculesthe faster they move.

In the electrophoretic separation of proteins, the proteins are oftentreated with an ionic detergent, such as sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS).The negatively charged dodecylsulphate anions interact with hydrophobicdomains on the protein molecules, thus creating negatively chargedprotein/SDS complexes that undergo electrophoresis separation similar toDNA molecules.

Typically, it is desirable to visualize and to document the results ofthe electrophoretic separation test. In electrophoretic separation ofDNA molecules, this has been done by immersing the gel slab after theelectrophoretic separation has been completed in a solution of afluorescent compound which emits visible light when exposed to a ultraviolet (UV) light. A widely used compound is ethidium bromide.

Conventional electrophoretic systems are deficient in many respects, afew of which are listed below.

Prior art electrophoresis systems are a potential source ofcontamination to the working environment in which the tests areperformed. The two major sources of contamination are ethidium bromideand PCR products. Ethidium bromide is a hazardous chemical due to itsmutagenic activity. In addition, the environment is a potential sourceof contamination to the system, since PCR is an extremely sensitivemethod. In fact, a single molecule of DNA product from one PCR (out ofthe trillions of molecules being produced) may interfere with thesubsequent PCR such that it will produce incorrect results.

Conventional electrophoresis is also deficient in other respects, onebeing that it is time consuming.

Many different gel separation materials have been disclosed, withdifferent compositions, pH characteristics, voltage requirements, etc.The goal of most of the recent innovations in the field has been toprovide an electrophoresis gel which can be used to perform a faster,more accurate, more stable, or more versatile electrophoresisseparation.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,874,491 to Stalberg discloses an electrophoresis systemhaving a high concentration buffer containing gel.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,639 to Sarrine et al. discloses an electrophoresisplate with improved buffer circulation.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,045,164 to Tansamrit et al. discloses an electrophoresisplate having thickened ends as buffer reservoirs.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,209,831 to MacConnel discloses a bufferless disposablecassette having open ends and conductive film electrodes.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,552 to Lebacq and U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,657 to Lekadisclose open electrophoresis devices requiring a buffer tank foroperation.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,096,182 to Updyke et al. discloses an electrophoresisgel at a neutral pH. The advantage of producing such a gel is that thegel system is stable, with reduced reactivity and increased shelf life.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention, apparatus for conducting electrophoresis, the apparatusincluding a chamber defining an electrophoresis area, the area includinga gel matrix, the chamber further including a sealed region, an anodewithin the chamber and in contact with the gel matrix, wherein the anodeis contained within the sealed region of the chamber, and a cathodewithin the chamber and in contact with the gel matrix. The sealed regionis sealed before and during the electrophoresis.

In various embodiments the anode comprises an electrochemical ionizableconducting material such as a metal. The metal may be copper, silver,lead, or an oxygen-absorbing material such as album, or carbon, or anyother suitable material. Multiple anodes or cathodes may be included. Inanother embodiment the chamber further includes one or more aperturescorresponding to one or more loading sites in the chamber, and theapertures are not included in the sealed region. The apertures may bespaced at predetermined intervals so as to conform with intervalsbetween tips on a loader. In several described embodiments, theapertures may be arranged in one or more rows, and the rows may bearranged in stagger format.

There is provided, in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention apparatus for conducting electrophoresis, the apparatusincluding a chamber defining an electrophoresis area, the area includinga gel matrix, the chamber further including a sealed region; and acathode within the chamber and in contact with the gel matrix, whereinthe cathode is contained within the sealed region of the chamber; and ananode within the chamber and in contact with the gel matrix. In oneembodiment, the region is sealed before and during the electrophoresis.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a matrix, wherein thematrix is in contact with the cathode, the matrix including at least onewater sparingly soluble salt, the gel matrix including ions, the ionsgenerated during an electrochemical reaction of the matrix in contactwith the cathode.

In several embodiments, the cathode is comprised of hydrogen-absorbingmaterial, or may be palladium, carbon, a metal hydride or any othersuitable material.

There is provided, in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention apparatus for conducting electrophoresis, the apparatusincluding a chamber defining an electrophoresis area, the area includinga gel matrix, the chamber further including a first and a second sealedregions, an anode within the chamber and in contact with the gel matrix,wherein the anode is contained within the first sealed region of thechamber; and a cathode within the chamber and in contact with the gelmatrix, wherein the cathode is contained within the second sealed regionof the chamber.

There is provided, in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention an apparatus for conducting electrophoresis the apparatusincluding, a chamber defining an electrophoresis area, theelectrophoresis area having at least one body of a gel matrix forfacilitating the electrophoresis, a first electrode and a secondelectrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are each incontact with the chamber, at least one of the first electrode and thesecond electrode is embedded within the body of the gel matrix, thefirst electrode is an anode and the second electrode is a cathode, andthe body of the gel matrix includes ions generated during anelectrochemical reaction of the anode.

There is provided, in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention an apparatus for conducting electrophoresis. The apparatusincludes a chamber defining an electrophoresis area, the electrophoresisarea having at least one body of a gel matrix for facilitating theelectrophoresis, a first electrode and a second electrode. The firstelectrode and the second electrode are in contact with the chamber, andat least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is embeddedwithin the at least one body of the gel matrix. In this embodiment thefirst electrode is an anode and the second electrode is a cathode, thebody of the gel matrix includes electrolyte solution, the anodecomprises an electrochemically ionizable metal, and the electrolytesolution is of a composition such that migration of ions generated bythe anode during electrophoresis is inhibited.

There is provided, in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention an apparatus for conducting electrophoresis. The apparatusincludes a chamber defining an electrophoresis area, the chamberincluding a sealed region, and the electrophoresis area having at leastone body of a gel matrix for facilitating the electrophoresis. Theapparatus further includes a first electrode and a second electrode,both in contact with the chamber, wherein at least one of the first andthe second electrodes is embedded within the body of gel matrix. Thefirst electrode is an anode and the second electrode is a cathode, thebody of gel matrix includes electrolyte solution, the anode is containedwithin the sealed region of the chamber and comprises anelectrochemically ionizable metal, and the electrolyte solution is of acomposition such that migration of ions generated by the anode duringelectrophoresis is inhibited.

There is provided, in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention a method for electrophoresis. The method includes the steps ofapplying an electrical field to a gel and driving electrophoresis byreleasing ions required for maintaining an electrical field bydegradation of a metal anode.

In one embodiment the step of driving an electrophoresis does notinclude water electrolysis.

There is provided, in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention a method for electrophoresis. The method includes the steps ofapplying an electrical field to the gel and driving electrophoresis byreleasing ions required for maintaining an electrical field bydegradation of a sparingly water-soluble salt in contact with a cathode.

There is provided, in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention method for electrophoresis. The method includes the steps ofapplying an electrical field to the gel and driving an electrophoresisby releasing ions required for maintaining an electrical field bydegradation of a metal anode and degradation of a sparinglywater-soluble salt in contact with a cathode. A further step includesinhibiting migration of ions in the vicinity of the anode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully fromthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with theappended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an electrophoresis cassette,constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross section illustration along line IV in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an electrophoresis cassetteincluding a plurality of apertures arranged in rows and loading sitesaccording to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of cross section illustration alongline IV in FIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an electrophoresis cassetteincluding an ion source matrix according to another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a cross section illustration alongline IV in FIG. 5 in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of an electrophoresis cassetteincluding an ion source according to another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a cross section illustration alongline IV in FIG. 7 in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention discloses an apparatus for conductingelectrophoresis including a chamber defining an electrophoresis area,wherein the chamber is sealed in at least one region. Theelectrophoresis apparatus of the present invention includes at least onecathode and/or at least one anode which, according to one embodiment, islocated in a sealed region of the chamber.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1-8 which illustrate an electrophoresisdisposable cassette, constructed and operative in accordance withpreferred embodiments of the present invention. It is noted that likecomponents are designated by like reference numerals throughout thevarious figures.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which shows one embodiment of thepresent invention. Cassette 10 comprises a three dimensional area 11having bottom wall and side walls, referenced 12 and 14 respectively,and a top wall 16. Cassette 10 is substantially sealed in that it isenclosed by walls 12, 14 and 16, with the exception of one or moreapertures 38 corresponding to one or more loading sites, as will bedescribed hereinbelow.

Bottom wall 12 and top wall 16 are preferably made of any suitable UVtransparent material, such as the TPX plastic commercially availablefrom MITSUI of Japan or the Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) plasticcommercially available from Repsol Polivar S.P.A. of Rome, Italy.Cassette 10 further includes an anode 24 and a cathode 26.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, cassette 10 is divided into three regions: A, Band C. Region A includes anode 24, and spans the area of cassette 10between the side wall 14 closest to anode 24 and one end of Region C.Region B includes cathode 26, and spans the area of cassette 10 betweenthe side wall 14 closest to anode 26 and the other end of Region C.Region C comprises the area of cassette 10 with loading sites 36, orwells. Regions A and B comprise no wells, and thus have the potentialfor being completely sealed. Region C, on the other hand, does comprisewells. Since the wells are connected to apertures 38 within top wall 16,region C is not fully sealed.

According to one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, Region C spans arelatively small area, including loading sites 36, which are in directalignment with apertures 38 on top wall 16. In a preferred embodiment,Region A comprises a relatively large area, and region B comprises arelatively small area, since loading sites 36 are situated relativelycloser to cathode 26. In another embodiment, Region A comprises arelatively small area and region B comprises a relatively large areasince loading sites 36 are situated relatively closer to anode 24. Inaccordance with another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, Region Cspans a relatively large area which includes loading sites 36 arrangedin predetermined intervals, which are in direct alignment with apertures38 on top wall 16. In this embodiment, Regions A and B are bothrelatively small since loading sites 36 span almost the entire gel. Itwill be appreciated that Regions A or B or both of cassette 10 aretotally sealed thereby reducing the possibility of contaminationoriginating therefrom.

As further described in FIGS. 5-8, in another embodiment the chambercomprises at the cathode end an electrode made of a conducting material,e.g., metal (M) and an ion source, matrix 22. Ion source matrix 22comprises a salt suspended in a suitable matrix e.g. gel matrix,providing ions for driving the electrophoresis. The salt is sparinglysoluble in water and has the general formula Y^(+n) _(m)(X^(−m))_(n),where n is the valency of the cation Y and X^(−m) is an anion having avalency m.

In one preferred embodiment, Y is the metal cation and the salt has thegeneral formula M^(+n) _(m)(X^(−m))_(n), where n is the valency of thecation of metal M and X^(−m) is an anion having a valency m.Alternatively, M and the cation of the salt are different.

In a preferred embodiment, the cation Y is selected to have suitableelectrochemical properties such that when a suitable voltage differenceis applied between the cathode 26 and the anode 24, some of the Y^(+n)cations receive electrons from the cathode and become neutral species.

Concomitantly, X^(−m) anions move away from the cathode serving ascharge carriers for the current flowing through cassette 10.

In another embodiment, the anode is made of a conductive material whichincludes metal atoms, and is in contact with or embedded in the body ofgel matrix 18. Atoms from the anode lose electrons and serve as chargecarriers for the current flowing through the cassettes moving toward thecathode as A^(+n) cations.

An advantage of cassette 10 is that the electrolysis of water at theanode and the cathode ends is substantially avoided, thus obviating theaccumulation of gases in the vicinity of the cathode and the anode andthe need for vent holes or gas absorbing means. Therefore, the gelmatrix 18 according to the present invention is substantially free fromhydrogen and/or oxygen in the vicinity of the anode and/or the cathode.Another advantage resulting from obviating electrolysis of water at theanode and the cathode ends is that there is substantially no productionor buildup of hydroxyl and hydrogen ions at the cathode and the anode,respectively, Thus, the pH remains generally constant during theelectrophoretic separation.

It will be appreciated that the anode metal electrode 24 in cassette 10can be made of different metals having suitable electrochemicalproperties wherein during an electrophoresis run, the electrochemicalreaction wherein metal atoms of the metal electrode lose electrons andenter solution as cations A occurs preferentially to electrolysis ofwater molecules. For example, in several embodiments, the metalelectrode is made of lead, copper or silver, or any other metal havingsimilar electrochemical properties.

It will be further appreciated that in cases where the metal cationsA^(+n) may interfere with the molecules to be separated by binding tothe molecules or by chemically interacting with them, the metal cationscan be prevented from reaching the separated molecules by increasing thelength of the body of gel matrix 18. This can be accomplished, forexample, by increasing the length between the anode 24 and We loadingsites 36. In this way, a sufficient degree of separation of themolecules can be achieved before a substantial amount of the metalcations A^(+n) reach the moving front of the separated molecules duringthe electrophoresis.

It will be further appreciated, that in other cases where the metalcations A^(+n) may interfere with the molecules to be separated bybinding to the molecules or by chemically interacting with them, themetal cations can be prevented from reaching the separated molecules byincluding an electrolyte solution within gel matrix 18 such as but notlimited to Bis-Tris-Tricine, Bis-Tris-Bicine, Tris-Glycine,Bis-Tris-Glycilglycine, Amino-methyl propanol-Proline, or TBE. Asdescribed above, anode 24 is made of an electrochemically ionizablemetal such as but not limited to copper, or silver. As described in theexample section hereinbelow, the results of using a specific compositionfor the electrolyte solutions in combination with ionizable metal, isthat the migration of metal ions through the gel matrix 18 is inhibited,and thereby restricted to the area of the anode.

The following examples, which are not intended to limit the scope of thepresent invention, illustrate how the ion source matrix 22 and the metalelectrode 26 are prepared (Examples 1 and 2), and present the results ofusing a specific composition for the electrolyte solution in combinationwith ionizable metal for the anode 24 (Examples 3-10).

EXAMPLE 1

The ion source matrix 22 was prepared as follows:

A. a suspending gel of 3% agarose in 0.4X TAE buffer solution wasprepared.

B. 0.6 grams of lead carbonate (PbCO₃), prepared by bubbling CO₂ into asolution of lead acetate following by filtration and wash by water ofthe precipitate, were suspended in 2 ml of the 3% agarose suspending gelof step A to obtain the ion source matrix 22.

C. A strip of lead was used as the cathode 26.

EXAMPLE 2

A. a suspending gel of 3% agarose in 0.4X TAE buffer solution wasprepared.

B. 0.3 grams of silver chloride (AgCl) were suspended in 2 ml of the 3%agarose suspending gel of step A to obtain the ion source matrix 22.

C. A strip of aluminum was used as the cathode 26.

EXAMPLES 3-10

Gel matrices containing several combinations of electrolyte solutionwere tested for use with a DNA sample (100 bp+1 kb ladder fromFermentas, Lithuaina) containing a tracking dye, such as bromophenolblue. The gel was run at 90-120V (currents=4-9 mAmps) until thebromophenol blue reached a distance of 5.7 cm from the wells. In theseexamples, an aluminum cathode was used in combination with a copperanode (Examples 3-8) or a silver anode (Examples 9 and 10). In thefollowing examples, the electrolyte solution concentration was 100 mM,and the size of the cassette in length, width and thickness was 100 mm,80 mm and 6.7 mm, respectively. Ions generated by the anode duringelectrophoresis procedure were inhibited when using the conditionsdescribe hereinbelow. This phenomenon is likely caused by the formationof a salt complex.

EXAMPLE 3

For an electrolyte solution at pH=7, the following components were used:

50 mM Bis-Tris; (bis[2-hydroxyethyl]iminotris[hydroxymethyl]methan), 50mM Tricine (N-tris[hydroxymethyl]methylglycine),

Results: Migration of the copper ions toward the cathode in the gel wasinhibited.

EXAMPLE 4

For an electrolyte solution at pH=7, the following components were used:

50 mM Bis-Tris; 50 mM Bicine (N,N-bis[2-hydroxyethyl]glycine)

Results: Migration of the copper ions toward the cathode in the gel wasinhibited.

EXAMPLE 5

For an electrolyte solution at pH=9.0, the following components wereused:

50 mM Tris

50 mM Glycine

Results: Migration of the copper ions toward the cathode in the gel wasinhibited.

EXAMPLE 6

For an electrolyte solution at pH=7, the following components were used:

50 mM Bis-Tris

50 mM Glycilglycine

Results: Migration of the copper ions toward the cathode in the gel wasinhibited.

EXAMPLE 7

For an electrolyte solution at pH=9.5, the following components wereused:

50 mM Amino methyl propanol: 50 mM Proline

The migration of the copper ions toward the cathode in the gel wasinhibited.

EXAMPLE 8

For a buffer solution at pH=8.3, 1XTBE (Tris-Borate EDTA (Sigma)−89 mMTris, 89 mM Borate, 2 mM EDTA

Results: Migration of the copper ions toward the cathode in the gel wasinhibited.

EXAMPLE 9

For an electrolyte solution at pH=7, the following components were used:

50 mM Bis-Tris; (bis[2-hydroxyethyl]iminotris[hydroxymethyl]methan)-, 50mM Tricine (N-tris[hydroxymethyl]methylglycine),

Results: Migration of the silver ions toward the cathode in the gel wasinhibited.

EXAMPLE 10

For a buffer solution at pH=8.3, 1XTBE (Tris-Borate EDTA (Sigma)−89 mMTris, 89 mM Borate, 2 mM EDTA

Results: Migration of the silver ions toward the cathode in the gel wasinhibited.

When using the compositions describe hereinabove, the migration ofcopper and/or silver ions toward the cathode was inhibited. Movement waslimited to a distance of about 5 mm from the edge of the copper/silveranode thereby not penetrating the running region of the gel during therunning time.

Alternatively, according to another embodiment of the present invention,in order to avoid accumulation of gases during the electrophoresisprocess, thus allowing the chamber to be sealed, the electrodes comprisegas-absorbing materials.

According to one embodiment of the present invention anode 24 comprisesoxygen-absorbing material. In preferred embodiments, anode 24 is made ofaluminum or carbon. In another embodiment, cathode 26 compriseshydrogen-absorbing material. In preferred embodiments, cathode 26 ismade of palladium, carbon or a metal hydride. In one embodiment of thepresent invention a plurality of apertures corresponding to plurality ofloading sites 36 which are contained within region C may be introducedinto gel 18, by using a “comb” having a row of protruding teethpositioned so that the teeth project into the gel layer while it sets.The plurality of apertures and the corresponding plurality of loadingsites. When the gel has set, the comb is removed to leave a row(s) ofloading sites 36, in the layer. One row or several rows may be formed.In region C the plurality of apertures corresponding to plurality ofloading sites 36 are spaced at predetermined intervals so as to conformwith spacing intervals among common tips of a loader for simultaneousloading of multiple samples for electrophoresis such as for example amulti-pipette.

Additionally, the apparatus for conducting electrophoresis may includemultiple anodes and cathodes for which the anode and the cathode areeach composed of materials described hereinabove. It will be appreciatedby persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limitedto what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather,the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims thatfollow:

1. Apparatus for conducting electrophoresis, said apparatus comprising:a chamber defining an electrophoresis area, said area comprising a gelmatrix, said chamber further comprising a sealed region; an anode withinsaid chamber and in contact with said gel matrix, wherein said anode iscontained within said sealed region; and a cathode within said chamberand in contact with said gel matrix.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein said sealed region is sealed before and during theelectrophoresis.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said anodecomprises an electrochemical ionizable conducting material.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 3, wherein said electrochemical ionizable conductingmaterial is a metal.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said anodecomprises copper.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said anode isselected from the group consisting of silver and lead.
 7. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein said anode comprises oxygen-absorbing material. 8.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said anode is selected from the groupconsisting of aluminum and carbon.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinsaid gel matrix is substantially free from oxygen gas during saidelectrophoresis.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said chamberfurther comprises one or more apertures corresponding to one or moreloading sites in said chamber.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, whereinsaid sealed region includes said anode and does not include said one ormore apertures.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said aperturescorresponding to said loading sites are spaced at predeterminedintervals so as to conform with intervals between tips on a loader. 13.The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said apertures are arranged in one ormore rows.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said rows are arrangedin a stagger format.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said chamberfurther comprises multiple anodes and cathodes.
 16. Apparatus forconducting electrophoresis, said apparatus comprising: a chamberdefining an electrophoresis area, said area comprising a gel matrix,said chamber further comprising a sealed region; a cathode within saidchamber and in contact with said gel matrix, wherein said cathode iscontained within said sealed region of the chamber; and an anode withinsaid chamber and in contact with said gel matrix.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein said region is sealed before and during theelectrophoresis.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising amatrix, wherein said matrix is in contact with said cathode, said matrixcomprising at least one water sparingly soluble salt said gel matrixcomprising ions, said ions generated during an electrochemical reactionof said matrix in contact with said cathode.
 19. The apparatus of claim16 wherein said cathode comprises hydrogen-absorbing material.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 19, wherein said cathode is selected from the groupconsisting of palladium, carbon and metal hydrides.
 21. The apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein said gel matrix is substantially free from hydrogengas during said electrophoresis.
 22. The apparatus of claim 16, whereinsaid chamber further comprises one or more apertures corresponding toone or more loading sites in said chamber.
 23. The apparatus of claim22, wherein said sealed region includes said cathode and does notinclude said one or more apertures.
 24. The apparatus of claim 22,wherein said apertures corresponding to said loading sites are spaced atpredetermined intervals so as to conform with intervals between tips ona loader.
 25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said apertures are agedin one or more rows.
 26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said rowsare arranged in a stagger format.
 27. Apparatus for conductingelectrophoresis, said apparatus comprising: a chamber defining anelectrophoresis area, said area comprising a gel matrix, said chamberfurther comprising a first sealed region and a second sealed region; ananode with said chamber and in contact with said gel matrix, whereinsaid anode is contained within said first sealed region; and a cathodewithin said chamber and in contact with said gel matrix, wherein saidcathode is contained within said second sealed region.
 28. The apparatusof claim 27, further comprising a matrix, wherein said matrix is incontact with said cathode, said matrix comprising at least one watersparingly soluble salt, said gel matrix comprising ions, said ionsgenerated during an electrochemical reaction of said matrix in contactwith said cathode.
 29. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said anodecomprises an electrochemical ionizable conducting material.
 30. Theapparatus of claim 29, wherein said anode comprises an electrochemicalionizable metal.
 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein said anodecomprises copper.
 32. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein said anode isselected from the group consisting of silver and lead.
 33. The apparatusof claim 27, wherein said anode comprises oxygen-absorbing material. 34.The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said anode is selected from the groupconsisting of album and carbon.
 35. The apparatus of clam 27, whereinsaid cathode comprises hydrogen-absorbing material.
 36. The apparatus ofclaim 35, wherein said cathode is selected from the group consisting ofpalladium, carbon and metal hydrides.
 37. The apparatus of claim 27,wherein said gel matrix is substantially free from hydrogen and oxygengas during said electrophoresis.
 38. The apparatus of claim 27, whereinsaid chamber further comprises one or more apertures corresponding toone or more loading sites in said chamber.
 39. The apparatus of claim38, wherein said first sealed region includes said anode and does notinclude said one or more apertures.
 40. The apparatus of claim 38,wherein said second sealed region includes said cathode and does notinclude said one or more apertures.
 41. The apparatus of claim 38,wherein said apertures corresponding to said loading sites are spaced atpredetermined intervals so as to conform with intervals between tips ona loader.
 42. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein said aperturescorresponding to said loading sites are arranged in one or more rows.43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said rows are arranged in astagger format.
 44. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said chamberfurther comprises multiple anodes and cathodes.
 45. An apparatus forconducting electrophoresis the apparatus comprising: a chamber definingan electrophoresis area, said electrophoresis area having at least onebody of gel matrix for facilitating said electrophoresis; a firstelectrode; and a second electrode, wherein said first electrode is ananode, wherein said second electrode is a cathode, and wherein saidfirst electrode and said second electrode are each in contact with saidchamber, at least one of said first electrode and said second electrodeis embedded within said at least one body of gel matrix, and whereinsaid at least one body of gel matrix comprises ions located within saidgel matrix, said ions generated during an electrochemical reaction ofsaid first electrode.
 46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein said anodecomprises an electrochemical ionizable conducting material.
 47. Theapparatus of claim 45, wherein said electrochemical ionizable conductingmaterial is a metal.
 48. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein said anodecomprises copper.
 49. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein said anode isselected from the group consisting of silver and lead.
 50. The apparatusof claim 45, wherein said gel matrix is substantially free from oxygengas during electrophoresis.
 51. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein saidgel is an aqueous gel, and wherein said electrochemical reaction is notwater electrolysis.
 52. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein said chamberfurther comprises multiple anodes and cathodes.
 53. An apparatus forconducting electrophoresis the apparatus comprising: a chamber definingan electrophoresis area, said electrophoresis area having at least onebody of a gel matrix for facilitating said electrophoresis; a firstelectrode; and a second electrode, wherein said first electrode and saidsecond electrode are in contact with said chamber, and at least one ofsaid first electrode and said second electrode is embedded within saidat least one body of the gel matrix, wherein said first electrode is ananode and said second electrode is a cathode, said at least one body ofsaid gel matrix comprises electrolyte solution, said anode comprises anelectrochemically ionizable metal, and said electrolyte solution is of acomposition such that migration of ions generated during anelectrochemical reaction at said anode is inhibited, wherein saidelectrochemical reaction is not water electrolysis.
 54. The apparatus ofclaim 53 wherein said anode comprises copper.
 55. The apparatus of claim53 wherein said anode comprises silver.
 56. The apparatus of claim 53,wherein said electrolyte solution is selected from the group consistingof Bis-Tris-Tricine, Bis-Tris-Bicine, Tris-Glycine,Bis-Tris-Glycilglycine, Amino methyl propanol-Proline, and TBE.
 57. Theapparatus of claims 53, wherein said chamber further comprises one ormore apertures corresponding to one or more loading sites in saidchamber.
 58. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein said aperturescorresponding to said loading sites are spaced at predeterminedintervals so as to conform with intervals between tips on a loader. 59.The apparatus of claim 58, wherein said apertures corresponding to saidloading sites are arranged in one or more rows.
 60. The apparatus ofclaim 59, wherein said rows are arranged in a stagger format.
 61. Theapparatus of claim 53, wherein said chamber further comprises multipleanodes and cathodes.
 62. An apparatus for conducting electrophoresis theapparatus comprising: a chamber defining an electrophoresis area, saidchamber comprising a sealed region, said electrophoresis area comprisingat least one body of gel matrix for facilitating said electrophoresis; afirst electrode; and a second electrode, wherein said first and saidsecond electrodes are in contact with said chamber, at least one of saidfirst and said second electrodes is embedded within said at least onebody of gel matrix, said first electrode is an anode and said secondelectrode is a cathode, said at least one body of said gel matrixcomprises electrolyte solution, said anode is contained within saidsealed region and comprises an electrochemically ionizable metal, andsaid electrolyte solution is of a composition such that migration ofions generated during an electrochemical reaction at said anode isinhibited, wherein said electrochemical reaction is not waterelectrolysis.
 63. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein said anodecomprises copper.
 64. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein said anodecomprises silver.
 65. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein saidelectrolyte solution is selected from the group consisting ofBis-Tris-Tricine, Bis-Tris-Bicine, Tris-Glycine, Bis-Tris-Glycilglycine,Amino methyl propanol-Proline, and TBE.
 66. The apparatus of claim 62,wherein said chamber further comprises one or more aperturescorresponding to one or more loading sites in said chamber.
 67. Theapparatus of claim 66, wherein said apertures corresponding to saidloading sites are spaced at predetermined intervals so as to conformwith intervals between tips on a loader.
 68. The apparatus of claim 67,wherein said apertures corresponding to said loading sites are arrangedin one or more rows.
 69. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein said rowsare arranged in stagger format.
 70. The apparatus of claim 62, whereinsaid chamber further comprises multiple anodes and cathodes.
 71. Amethod for electrophoresis, the method comprising the steps of: applyingan electrical field to a gel; degrading a metal anode by saidapplication of said electrical field; and releasing ions required formaintaining an electrical field by said degradation.
 72. The method ofclaim 71 wherein said step of releasing ions does not include waterelectrolysis in the vicinity of the anode.
 73. A method forelectrophoresis, the method comprising the steps of; applying anelectrical field to a gel; degrading a sparingly water-soluble salt incontact with a cathode by said application of said electrical field; andreleasing ions required for maintaining an electrical field by saiddegradation.
 74. The method of claim 73 wherein said step of releasingions does not include water electrolysis in the vicinity of the cathode.75. A method for electrophoresis, the method comprising the steps of:applying an electrical field to a gel; degrading a metal anode by saidapplication of said electrical field; degrading a sparinglywater-soluble salt in contact with a cathode by said application of saidelectrical field; and releasing ions required for maintaining anelectrical field by said degradations.
 76. The method of claim 75,wherein said step of releasing ions does not include water electrolysis.77. A method for electrophoresis, the method comprising the steps of:applying an electrical field to a gel; degrading a metal anode by saidapplication of said electrical field; releasing ions required formaintaining an electrical field by said degradation; and inhibitingmigration of said ions in the vicinity of said anode.
 78. A method as inclaim 77, wherein said step of releasing ions does not include waterelectrolysis.